A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver a $5 million Multicultural Communities Swimming and Water Safety Program to address the growing number of drownings among Australians born overseas.
This election commitment will provide up to 100 grants of $50,000 to local governments, swim schools, lifesaving organisations, and educational institutions across Australia to run targeted programs for multicultural communities that lack access to essential water safety education.
Recent data shows that 34% of all drowning deaths in Australia are people born overseas. The program will ensure participants achieve basic national benchmarks including the ability to swim 50 metres and float for two minutes, while learning critical water safety techniques applicable to different aquatic environments.
These initiatives will also aim to support social cohesion, improve settlement outcomes for new migrants, and create tailored employment pathways in swimming and water safety education, addressing multiple community needs through one coordinated approach.
The Albanese Labor Government’s commitment aligns with recommendations from the Australian Water Safety Strategy 2030 and builds on Labor’s long-standing support for multicultural communities and commitment to reducing preventable drowning deaths.
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, Matt Thistlethwaite MP:
“For most Australians, learning to swim and being around water is part of our culture, but for many migrants and their children a pool or the beach can be terrifying because they have not been taught water safety.
“We are starting to see a big increase in people from migrant backgrounds drowning in Australia because they have not had any water safety education.
“This program will help save lives by giving more Australians the skills they need to enjoy our waterways safely, while creating stronger community connections and employment opportunities.
“Water safety is a fundamental skill in Australia, and only a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will ensure that all Australians, regardless of where they were born, have access to this essential life skill.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Reid, Sally Sitou MP:
“In my electorate of Reid, with its vibrant multicultural communities, this program will have an immediate and lasting impact on family safety around water.
“I’ve spoken with many families who have moved to Australia from countries where swimming isn’t part of the culture, and they worry about their children’s safety around our beaches, pools, and waterways.
“This program reflects the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to supporting our multicultural communities with programs that help to save lives while building stronger community connections.”
